Skellig Michael is home to a 6th Century monastic settlement. This complex is perched on the steep sides of the larger of the two Skellig Islands, some 12km off the coast of south-west Ireland. It illustrates the very Spartan existence of the first Irish Christians. Since the extreme remoteness of Skellig Michael has until recently discouraged visitors, the site is exceptionally well preserved.

Skellig Michael Monastery with Small Skellig and Co. Kerry in background

The monastery on Skellig Michael survived a number of Viking raids in the 9th century, notably in 823, was later significantly expanded, with a new chapel built around the start of the second millennium. The community at Skellig Michael was apparently never large - probably about 12 monks and an abbot. Some time in the 12th century the monks abandoned the Skellig and moved to the Augustinian Monastery at Ballinskelligs on the mainland.

"Beehive" monastic cells

Starting in the 1500s, Skellig Michael became a popular destination for annual pilgrimages, but had no permanent residents. In the 19th century two lighthouses were built and the Great Skellig was again inhabited, this time by a changing rota of lighthouse keepers. The second lighthouse still operates, though it was largely rebuilt during the 1960s and has been automated since the 1980s. In 1986 some restoration work was done and an official tourist bureau associated with the island was established. However restrictions have recently been imposed on tourist access, in the belief that tourist numbers (in particular use of the ancient stone steps up the rock) were causing a worrying degree of damage to the site. Alternative methods that would preserve the site while allowing public access are being considered. In 1996 it was made into a World Heritage Site

There are two Skellig islands off the coast of Co. Kerry. Along with its smaller neighbour, Little Skellig, Great Skellig is an important nature reserve. Between them the Skelligs hold nationally important populations of a number of seabirds, including gannet, fulmar, kittiwake, razorbill, common guillemot, and Atlantic puffin. Storm petrels and Manx shearwaters also nest in large numbers.

Feehan's Boats, ☎+353 86 417 6612 ([email protected]), [3]. Trips to the Skelligs depart daily from Ballinskelligs pier. Departure times 10:00-12:00 depending on tides. The journey time is approximately 45/50 minutes each way and you'll have a further minimum 2 hours on the island Please telephone for reservations, departure times and sea conditions.€50-60 per person. edit

Sea Quest Skellig Tours, Valentia Island, ☎+353 87 2362344 ([email protected]), [6]. Skellig Michael's premiere tour operator, Sea Quest Skellig Tours offer landing and eco trips from May - September each year. Sea Quest's renowned eco tour includes a fascinating trip around the Skelligs taking in the amazing bird life and marine life on offer. Sea Quest's Seanie Murphy was lead boatman during production of Star Wars Episode VII and Episode VIII. See their website for booking times and further info: www.skelligsrock.com. edit

Skellig Michael Cruises, Portmagee (At the marina in Portmagee), ☎+353 87 617 8114 ([email protected]), [8]. 2.5 hours duration. Allows you the opportunity to see the Skellig Rocks from a unique perspective. Many people who come to Portmagee are unable to climb Skellig Michael for a variety of reasons; young families, age, disability or time constraints, etc. This is where they come in with their boat Marber Therese II!.We also land on Skellig Michael for how to book a Skellig Michael Landing or Eco Tour visit " url="http://www.skelligmichaelcruises.com/booking_skellig_islands_tours/" Adults: €35 / Students €32 / Children: €30 Family: €110 (2 adults + 2 children). edit

Boats normally leave at around 10:00-11:00. The boat trip out last about 45/55 minutes and all tours give you a minimum 2 hours on the island. The return journey is again 45/55 minutes returning to harbour at around 15:00-16:00. The boats will only go around the islands and not land there before main season starts in mid May. Since the islands have become very popular due to Star Wars, booking ahead is advisable.

The closest town that is fully accessible by public transport is Caherciveen.

From the landing bay there is a small road that runs to the start of the stairs that lead up to the monastery.

The Stairs are in a reasonable condition, however they are old and there are no safety ropes. Whilst not being actively dangerous they do require some care, a dose of courage and some decent shoes.

The South Steps are the main route to the summit. They run up from the Heliport to ‘Christ’s Saddle’ a relatively flat piece of land between the two peaks of the Island.

The monastery is on the Eastern peak and is an easy walk from ‘Christ’s Saddle’. The Hermitage is on the South Peak, It is highly inadvisable to attempt to cross to the South Peak, the paths are not stable and the Hermitage itself is only accessible with climbing equipment.

Bringing a picnic is a good idea however it is requested that this be eaten away from the remains of the monastery, to help stop seabirds scavenging among the ruins. The base of the steps near the Heliport is perhaps the best place to have a picnic, as it is well sheltered.

The Skellig Lodge, (Through Ballinskelligs, stay on the main road, “Skellig Ring”, past the junction for Ballinskelligs Beach and Pier. At the top of this stretch of road, is another small junction with a very sharp bend. Slow down and drive through the junction (up the hill) taking care of the traffic coming from the left. The Lodge is the 4th building on the left with Skellig Lodge on the sign at the gate. Nearest bus stop is in Caherciveen, they have special arrangement for taxis to collect guests and bring them directly. Collections must be pre-booked and the local charge applies), ☎+353 66 947-9942 ([email protected]), [11]. New buildings that are wheelchair friendly, fully equipped self-catering kitchens. Lounge with TV, DVD, books, games & radio. Free tea & coffee, Wi-Fi.Dorm €15-18, Twin €30-€40. edit

Skellig Hostel, Ballinskelligs, Co. Kerry, ☎00353 ([email protected]), [14]. Excellent value accommodation in brand new building, The drive over the headland to Portmagee offers astounding views of the coastline Vallentia Island and out to the Skelligs themselves, worth driving out for the view alone.Dorm €11-€14.50, Private Room from €13.50-€24 pp. edit

The Old Cable House Bed and Breakfast, Old Telegraph Cable Station Waterville Ring of Kerry (Skellig Ring Drive to Waterville), ☎0035369474233, [15]. checkin: 3PM-6PM; checkout: 11AM. Ring of Kerry Ireland the Old Cable Historic House Stay at our B&B for the unique lodging alternative to large hotels, experience the personal touch “ That incomparable Irish mist , we reveal the Ireland you had only dreamed of colourful, unstuffy, and infectiously attractive mix of styles and people. Polished floors, robust Irish cooking, medicinal whiskeys, fly-fishing and storytelling characters, Islands, mountains, and goats who own the road, boat trips and magical wishing wells, just do absolutely nothing , breathe in the impossible beauty” * Milestone Heritage Site. This unique residence in Waterville Village traces its origins to the first transatlantic telegraph cable layed from Ireland/Europe to USA in 1866. Retaining all its original features, the Old Cable House offers bright spacious rooms of character. 35 euro pp. edit

Brookhaven House B&B (Accommodation in Waterville Ireland), Waterville, Ireland (Brookhaven is located less than one kilometre north of the town of Waterville on the Ring of Kerry. Waterville is situated between the Caherciveen, to the north and Caherdaniel to the south, on the N70 road.), ☎+353 66 9474431, [16]. Brookhaven is a purpose built, family run, Irish Tourist board approved guesthouse situated on the internationally renowned Ring of Kerry in the South West corner of Ireland. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Waterville Championship Golf Course, Brookhaven House is also within easy reach of other championship Golf courses in Killarney, Tralee and Ballybunion.Eur 40-60. (51.840184,-10.178479)edit

Don’t forget that this is a ‘wilderness outing’ to an uninhabited Atlantic Ocean island where there are no modern facilities. Bring food, water, and sensible clothes.

The boat crossing can be choppy and there are no safety rails on the climb at Skellig Michael so tread carefully and responsibly.

Visitors should be aware that two tourists fell to their death on the island from the same location while navigating the steps to and from the monastery in 2009. The Office of Public Works, which oversees the island, has made the decision not to install a safety railing at that location, making it even more important for visitors to be extremely careful.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!